Fall / Winter 2025 | Special Feature 7
Elizabeth Disbrow
Parkinson’ s Researcher
There are so many barriers to genetic research; it’ s exciting to be part of a global effort to overcome them. We need samples from a truly massive number of people to crack the complex genetic code and ultimately provide precision medicine for people with PD. Through BLAAC PD— a study to learn more about genetic changes that may cause PD in underrepresented populations— we are learning that there are important genetic differences across racial groups that are key to finding a cure that fits everyone. This unique, largescale study would not be possible without MJFF, the Global Parkinson’ s Genetics Program( GP2) and Aligning Science Across Parkinson’ s( ASAP).
Dr. Disbrow( center) is a principal investigator with the BLAAC PD study at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, Louisiana.
The Wilde Family
A Family of Foundation Supporters
The reason we support the Foundation is simple: MJFF gives us hope every day. The work the Foundation does is incredible, from finding a PD biomarker, to advocating for patients, to education and social events. MJFF is clearly making the largest impact in the Parkinson’ s community.
Tom Wilde, 66, was diagnosed with PD in 2013. He’ s pictured with his wife, Stephanie, their daughters, Alix and Emily, and son-in-law, Brian Reilly.
Ellen and Jonah Zimiles
Parkinson’ s Care Partners
A family member was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’ s disease at 33. MJFF has been our primary source of information, strength, support and— most importantly— our greatest hope for medical breakthroughs during our family member’ s lifetime.
Ellen and Jonah live in Maplewood, New Jersey. They say they’ re honored to be part of the MJFF family.